West Side Close, Lowestoft, Suffolk.

 

Proposed Development: First floor side extension and Single-storey rear extension.

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Following the initial discussion wit the applicant a single-storey rear extension was to be added and a first floor side extension over the existing garage in order to add an additional bedroom. The front elevation was to be pushed out to sit level with the existing converted garage and a new pitched roof added over in order to link the extensions visually with the main unit and main roof line.

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The planning application sough the erection of a single-storey extension to the front and rear and a two-storey extension to the side of this detached house, over a converted former attached garage. The property is situated on the northern side of West Side Close, which contains an approximate 50/50 mix of detached two storey houses and detached bungalows, all of which share similar 1970's architecture and palate of materials.

The 0.9m frontward extension is to provide increased lounge space and replace the existing flat roof projection with a continuous pitched roof along the entirety of the frontage. The sideward (first floor) extension enables the provision of a further (fifth) bedroom with en-suite bathroom. The rearward extension seeks to provide a combined kitchen and dining space, increasing existing kitchen and dining room provision by approximately one third.
 

The proposed first floor extension has a ridge that is set below the main ridge of the existing house and the setback from the front elevation results in a suitably-scaled and subordinate design. Two additional windows are proposed in the rear at first floor level but are not considered to impact significantly on neighbours given the existing levels of overlooking. The proposed rear extension projects some 1.4m from the rear elevation of the property and is only single-storey with a pitched roof thereby having no noticeable impact on the amenity of the adjacent occupiers.
 

The roof tiles and facing brick of the extensions are proposed to match the main roof and facing brick of the existing dwelling. The design of the extensions is considered to be in keeping with the host building. Furthermore, none of the extensions proposed has a detrimental impact upon either the street scene or the amenities of occupants of surrounding residential properties.

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If you would like to discuss any extension ideas you may have please contact us for a free no obligation initial consultation and let us help you unlock the development potential in your property.

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Will I Need Planning Permission for my Extension?

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• Site Coverage: Did you know that you will need planning permission if the proposed two storey or first floor extension (when taken with existing extensions, outbuildings and decking for example), will cover more than 50% of the land around your home?

• Location: In terms of location, if your property fronts or sides a road and you wish to put an extension closer to that road then you will need planning permission. In addition, if you propose to site a 2 storey extension within 7 metres of a rear boundary, you will require planning permission.

• Height: The extension can be no higher than the highest part of the existing roof and if you are building within 2 metres of a boundary, the maximum eaves height can be no more than 3 metres. This last point will apply more to single storey as opposed to two or indeed first floor extensions.

• Depth: The maximum depth of any first or two storey extension is 3 metres.

• Veranda: You will require planning permission if you wish to add a veranda, balcony or raised platform to the structure.

• Roof Pitch and Materials: At first floor level, the roof pitch must match that of the existing house or else you will require planning permission. Similarly, you will have to use materials of a similar appearance. Again, what is considered a similar material is unclear and will be the subject of further consideration at some future point on this site.

• Windows: If you wish to add a side facing window to your first of two storey extension, it will have to be obscurely glazed and any opening part has to be located 1.7 metres above floor level.

• Cladding: Last but not least, if your house occupies designated land, you cannot clad it. What this means is not entirely clear but we will attempt to interpret this in future articles.

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Please call us on  07931 541 804 for a free no obligation consultation or email me on simon@en-plan.co.uk.  I look forward to talking through any proposals you may have.